In a game with as much intensity that a regular season game could have this early, the Orlando Magic topped the Atlanta Hawks 93-89. This was not another signature blow out win for Orlando as Atlanta kept the game within 4-6 points one way or the other from 2nd quarter to the final buzzer. The Hawks were more poised down the stretch and hit huge shots to keep Orlando searching for answers. The fact is the Magic did indeed have all the answers. The Orlando bench was huge in this game getting quality minutes from the likes of J.J. Reddick, Marcin Gortat and Brandon Bass. Reddick was extremely pesky on defense while Gortat and Bass frustrated Josh Smith and Al Horford on the boards. Dwight Howard was impressive with his 27 point and 11 rebound effort, but something Magic fans should took note of is the fact Vince Carter played through his hip injury and was effective down the stretch of this game. Carter brought the ball up and drove to the basket 3 times in the waning minutes, getting fouled and hitting a couple of clutch lay-ups to keep the Hawks at bay.

Coach Van Gundy again started Ryan Anderson at the power forward, and Rashard Lewis again disappeared despite playing 31 minutes. 4 points and 6 rebounds is just not going to cut it Rashard! The Magic continue to impress despite Lewis’s absence and Nelson’s injury. If Carter is going to continue to play this brand of basketball and Van Gundy can get the same bench effort nightly this team will be hard to beat no matter who the opponent. It appears Van Gundy’s liberal rotation is working for now. Next up for the Magic men is Utah on Wednesday. Stay tuned!

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Written by Warren Shaw
I am an avid Basketball fan who has worked for the New York Knicks, Alonzo Mourning Charities and various other sports organizations. Having covered many NBA and various professional sporting events has given me the opportunity to provide insight with an unbiased but flavor driven view. I look forward to providing NBA content and interacting with knowledgeable fans and readers.
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